Southwest Harbor, ME
Population 563 · Maine
About Southwest Harbor, ME
Southwest Harbor is a small community located in Maine with a population of 563 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $31,518 per year, which is 58% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 58.1 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Southwest Harbor features a median home value of $407,700, which is 66% above the national median of $244,900. This places Southwest Harbor in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $903, 22% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 644 total housing units, 26% are owner-occupied (84 units) and 74% are renter-occupied (238 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Southwest Harbor shows an unemployment rate of 21.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 12.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Southwest Harbor have an average one-way commute time of 9.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
27.9% of Southwest Harbor residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.2% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 3.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Southwest Harbor, ME
Compared to national averages, Southwest Harbor has a median household income of $31,518 (58% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $407,700, which is 66% above the national median. Monthly rent at $903 is 22% below the US average of $1,163. Within Maine, Southwest Harbor's income is 51% below the state average of $64,613, and home values are 62% above the state median of $251,113.
Why Live in Southwest Harbor, ME?
Southwest Harbor offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $903/month, and short commute times averaging just 9.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($31,518) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $407,700. However, Southwest Harbor’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Southwest Harbor has a population of 563 with a median age of 58.1 years. Compare Southwest Harbor with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maine.
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Demographics
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Economy & Education
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Other Cities in Maine
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Southwest Harbor
What is the population of Southwest Harbor, ME?
The population of Southwest Harbor, ME is 563 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Maine.
What is the median household income in Southwest Harbor?
The median household income in Southwest Harbor, ME is $31,518 per year, which is 58% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Southwest Harbor?
The median home value in Southwest Harbor, ME is $407,700, which is 66% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Southwest Harbor?
The median monthly rent in Southwest Harbor, ME is $903, which is 22% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Southwest Harbor?
The unemployment rate in Southwest Harbor, ME is 21.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Southwest Harbor, ME a good place to live?
Southwest Harbor offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 563 and a median age of 58.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Southwest Harbor, ME?
27.9% of residents in Southwest Harbor aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Southwest Harbor?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Southwest Harbor, ME: median home value is $407,700 (66% above national), median rent is $903/month, and median household income is $31,518. The home-value-to-income ratio is 12.9x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Southwest Harbor?
The poverty rate in Southwest Harbor, ME is 12.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Southwest Harbor, ME?
Southwest Harbor's population is 0.2% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 2.1% two or more races. 3.2% of residents are foreign-born.